The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Senior Brian Loomis commits to Missouri State for football

In a home game versus Parkway Central, senior Brian Loomis blocks for a run.
Sarah Booth
In a home game versus Parkway Central, senior Brian Loomis blocks for a run.

Exactly 1,093,234 high school students play football according to  National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Senior Brian Loomis is one of the 6.5 percent that is moving on to the NCAA Division I.

Loomis committed to Missouri State University on Dec. 21, making his dream a reality.

“Playing college football has always been my dream,” Loomis said. “I’ve been playing football since I was eight.”

Even though it is off-season, Loomis is still training by going to the weight room four times a week and eating healthy to get ready for next fall.

“It’s a lot of hard work. I have to condition, work on strength and all that stuff to prepare me for next year,” Loomis said. “I haven’t gotten a food plan yet, but they are sending me a workout plan, and once I get there, they are going to have certain meals for me to eat.”

Though Loomis committed to Missouri State, he also received offers from five additional schools.

“I had interest from Southwest Minnesota State, Truman State, Illinois College and Knox College,” Loomis said. “The main reasons I signed with Missouri State is because both my parents went there. It’s a super nice campus and they have a great business schoolwhich is what I plan on attending, so it’s a good fit. It’s not too far, not too close.”

Loomis visited the school over winter break and met some of the team.

“The coach was a really nice guy who was really determined to have me on his team,” Loomis said. “I’ve talked to a few of the players on Twitter and met a few of them during my visit. I am going down for another visit later this month so I can hopefully get to meet more.”

Loomis was switched from defensive tackle to offensive guard and it turned out to be a successful change.

“His footwork and hands were incredible,” head coach Jeff Duncan said. “Once he got his hands on the defender, he was in control.”

Even though there are eligibility requirements such as having a 2.3 GPA, meet standardized testing benchmarks, and complete 16 core classes in high school, Loomis believes there is more you need to have to become a Division I athlete.

“You have to work hard and be confident in everything you do, but still maintain a humble character,” Loomis said. “You have to stay focused and chase your dreams.”

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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High
Senior Brian Loomis commits to Missouri State for football